For Christmas Eve: Try broiled scallops and broccoli rabe as a take on the traditional fish course.

Written by

?Produce Pete?? Napolitano
| Special for the Asbury Park Press

Broccoli rabe holds a special place in my heart because whenever I see it or taste it, I think of my dad.

My father was born in Italy and came to this country with no money or language skills but made a life for himself and his family through hard work. He taught me that if you work hard, you can accomplish anything, but he also always reminded me that you should never forget where you came from.

When he was young in Italy, there wasn't much to eat, and broccoli rabe was cheap, so they ate it at every meal to fill them up. I used to ask my mom why she always made broccoli rabe for us, and she would say she made it to ...